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Keeping Tonga Green, Clean and Healthy

Litter in our beaches, marine environments and on the streets is not only an eyesore, but threatens wildlife and marine ecology. Modern plastics such as disposable diapers do not break down for hundreds of years – creating a legacy for future generations. Rubbish blocks drains, exacerbating flooding of streets. Rubbish also has a direct impact on tourism and our economy.

WAL actively encourages people to take part in regular and ongoing clean up efforts. We want to motivate people to take responsibility for a clean environment, and play their part in making Tonga clean green and prosperous.

Each year, we work with other Ministries, community groups and businesses to organise and take part in Clean Up the World Day. We also support ongoing clean up work throughout the year with the Clean Up Tonga Committee. This group coordinates clean up activities and when we have the resources, provides gloves and bags to groups working to clean up Tonga.

WAL provides public bins along the waterfront and at strategic locations, and regularly collects this waste. We are working on strategies to reduce littering, including regulations, enforcement, and awareness raising activities. This is an ongoing challenge, one that we need to work.

Department of Environment Staff on Clean up the World Day

Prime Minister's Office Staff doing their part for Clean Up the World Day

The Tonga Navy helping to clean up rubbish in the ocean

Tongan kids volunteering for Clean Up the World Day

Littering in Tonga needs to stop, especially when there is a rubbish bin nearby.